Versatile Can, capable of playing anywhere across midfield or in either full-back position, made 29 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen last season, whilst he also played his part in their run to the Champions League knockout stages.

And Rodgers has revealed that he had been tracking the progress of the German under-21 international - who has been compared to both former Germany skipper Michael Ballack and current Mannschaft star Bastian Schweinsteigher - for some time.

"We have tracked his progress for some time and I have been impressed with his attitude and qualities when I have seen him play both in the German Bundesliga and the Champions League,: added the Liverpool boss.

"He has many of the attributes we look for; charisma on the football pitch and courage to want the ball and make things happen."